Let me tell you, the aroma of honey and pineapple mingling in the oven while a golden ham bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I baked this perfect honey glazed ham with pineapple brown sugar glaze, I was instantly hooked — the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma would make her famous ham during the holidays, but this version? It’s a fresh twist I stumbled upon on a rainy weekend, trying to recreate that nostalgic comfort with a little extra zing.

Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking slices off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). This recipe is dangerously easy but delivers pure, nostalgic comfort with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, serve a sweet treat for your kids, or brighten up your Pinterest cookie board with something savory and sweet, this honey glazed ham with pineapple brown sugar glaze fits the bill.

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times in the name of research, of course, and it’s become a staple for family gatherings and gifting. It feels like a warm hug on a plate—you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

After countless trials and tweaks, this perfect honey glazed ham recipe with pineapple brown sugar glaze has won me over — and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Here’s why:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 2 hours, which is perfect for busy weekends or last-minute celebrations.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed; you likely have honey, brown sugar, and canned pineapple in your pantry.
• Perfect for Holidays & Special Occasions: Whether it’s Christmas dinner or a family reunion, this ham steals the show.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the sweet glaze, and adults appreciate the subtle tang of pineapple and brown sugar.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The glaze creates a caramelized, sticky crust that’s just the right balance of sweet and savory.

This isn’t just another ham recipe. What sets it apart is the pineapple brown sugar glaze, which adds a tropical brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat. Plus, the honey glaze locks in moisture and gives that perfect shiny finish. It’s comfort food reimagined—tender, sweet, and with just enough zing to make you close your eyes after the first bite.

It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to impress guests without stress or turn a simple meal into something memorable.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, with a few fresh touches that really bring the glaze to life.

• Bone-in ham (about 8-10 lbs): Pre-cooked and spiral sliced if possible (makes serving easier).
• Honey (½ cup): I prefer raw or wildflower honey for that rich, floral sweetness.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Dark brown sugar works best for a deep molasses flavor.
• Canned pineapple rings (1 can, drained): Use juice for the glaze; rings for garnish or baking on top.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
• Ground cloves (½ tsp): Just a pinch for that classic holiday aroma.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): For a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Brightens the glaze and cuts through richness.
• Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste): For a little bite.
• Optional: Maraschino cherries: For that classic pineapple-cherry presentation.

Tips: I recommend using a high-quality honey like Nature Nate’s for best flavor. For a gluten-free option, ensure your mustard brand is certified gluten-free. You can swap pineapple rings with fresh pineapple chunks in summer for a fresher touch.

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack: Essential for even cooking and to keep the ham elevated from drippings.
• Basting brush: For applying the glaze evenly.
• Meat thermometer: To check internal temperature for perfect doneness (you don’t want to overcook this beauty).
• Small saucepan: For preparing the glaze separately before applying.
• Aluminum foil: To tent the ham while it rests and keep it moist.

If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can improvise with a bed of thickly sliced onions or carrots to elevate the ham. I’ve also used oven-safe wire racks with good results. For budget-friendly options, a basic roasting pan from your local store works just fine.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow roast keeps the ham tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep (this helps the glaze soak in).
3. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice (reserved from the can), cinnamon, cloves, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). It should be glossy and syrupy but not too thick.
4. Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan: Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
5. Bake uncovered: Roast the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours (or roughly 15-18 minutes per pound). Every 20-30 minutes, baste with more glaze to build that sticky, caramelized crust. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid burning the sugars.
6. Add pineapple rings: About 30 minutes before the ham is done, arrange pineapple rings on top, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Drizzle a little more glaze over the pineapples for extra shine.
7. Check temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part (away from the bone). It should read 140°F (60°C) for a fully heated pre-cooked ham.
8. Rest the ham: Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing — this keeps the juices locked in.
9. Serve: Garnish with maraschino cherries in the pineapple rings if you like, and slice to serve warm.

Pro Tip: If the glaze starts to get too dark early on, tent the ham loosely with foil to prevent burning but keep basting. Also, saving some glaze to serve on the side makes for a nice extra touch.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting this honey glazed ham just right isn’t rocket science, but a few tricks make all the difference. First, patience is your best friend here. Slow roasting lets the fat render and the glaze caramelize without burning.

Don’t skip scoring the ham — it’s not just for looks! Those diamond cuts let the glaze seep in and flavor every bite. I used to avoid scoring because I thought it was extra work, but honestly, it’s worth the effort.

Keep your basting brush close. Regularly brushing the glaze helps build layers of sticky, sweet goodness. If you only glaze once at the end, it won’t have that beautiful crust.

Watch your oven temperature carefully. Too hot and the sugars burn; too low and the ham won’t crisp up nicely.

Finally, resting the ham after cooking is crucial. Slice too soon, and the juices run everywhere — no one wants dry ham!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is flexible enough to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the glaze for a smoky heat kick.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and a sugar-free honey substitute to lighten it up.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your mustard and vinegar are gluten-free labeled; this recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
• Fresh Fruit Glaze: Swap canned pineapple juice for fresh orange juice and add zest for a citrusy zing.
• Slow Cooker Version: Place the ham and glaze in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low for a hands-off approach, but you’ll miss that caramelized crust (you can broil at the end to fix that).

Personally, I once tried adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze—dangerously good and perfect for adult gatherings.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this honey glazed ham warm, sliced thick or thin, depending on your crowd’s preference. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to cut through the sweetness.

For beverages, a crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the pineapple glaze nicely.

Leftovers? Wrap tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making sandwiches or breakfast scrambles extra tasty.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that glaze texture intact.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This honey glazed ham provides a good source of protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron. The pineapple adds vitamin C and digestive enzymes that complement the rich meat nicely.

While it’s a sweet dish, using natural sweeteners like honey and brown sugar keeps it less processed than commercial glazes. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for lower sugar diets.

From a wellness perspective, this recipe strikes a balance—indulgent but made with real ingredients that you can feel good about sharing with family.

Conclusion

The perfect honey glazed ham with pineapple brown sugar glaze is worth every minute you spend making it. It’s sweet, tangy, and tender with that sticky, caramelized crust you won’t find in just any ham recipe. Customize it to fit your taste buds, and you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion.

I love this recipe because it reminds me of family, warmth, and the joy of sharing good food. If you try it, please leave a comment or share your own spin — I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious gatherings ahead.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, a boneless ham works fine, but a bone-in ham tends to retain moisture better and develop more flavor.

Do I need to soak the ham before baking?

No need to soak a pre-cooked ham. Just score and glaze it as directed for the best results.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the oven temperature moderate (around 325°F/165°C) and baste frequently. If the glaze darkens too quickly, tent the ham with foil.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before applying during baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover ham?

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage if needed.

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